Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is considered one of the biggest and most colorful festivals celebrated in India. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, as exemplified by Lord Rama’s defeat of Raavana and Goddess Durga’s annihilation of Mahishasura. Dussehra 2025 falls on October 2, and similar to every year, the whole country will be illuminated with lights, music, fairs, and cultural shows. If you’re planning a festive trip, you’ll find countless places to visit in India during Dussehra 2025 that offer unforgettable experiences.
What makes the festival truly special is the variety of Dussehra celebrations in India. In Mysuru, the majestic royal procession is a spectacle of elephants, music, and decorated chariots. The Bastar region in Chhattisgarh comes alive with tribal rituals and folk dances, offering a raw cultural charm. In the north, Ram Leela plays retell the story of Lord Rama with grandeur, while Gujarat celebrates with nights of Garba and Dandiya during the nine days of Navratri celebrations in India.
Travelers heading to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or Andhra Pradesh can witness unique traditions of Navratri in South India, where elaborate golu displays, classical music concerts, and temple rituals captivate devotees and tourists alike. Each region adds its own flavor, giving you a chance to experience India’s cultural diversity at its peak. Since festive journeys can get hectic, choosing a smooth travel option ensures more time for celebration. Reliable cab services like Savaari make exploring these destinations comfortable and hassle-free, letting you fully enjoy the magic of Dussehra.
Table of Contents
- Planning Your Dussehra 2025 Trip
- Top 13 Places to visit in India during Dussehra 2025
- Cultural Experiences You Can’t Miss This Dussehra
- Travel Tips for Dussehra 2025
- Tips for Booking Car Rentals During Dussehra
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Planning Your Dussehra 2025 Trip
This year, Dussehra arrives with a long weekend, making it one of the best times for a festive getaway. The Dussehra festival in India is always a grand affair, filled with lights, fairs, and cultural performances. Since Dussehra in India attracts travelers from all corners, hotel rooms, trains, and cabs often get booked early. Planning in advance not only saves money but also ensures you enjoy the celebrations stress-free.
Here’s why you should plan road trips for Dussehra:
- Pleasant October weather: By October, monsoon showers have receded, leaving behind clear skies and fresh air. This makes road trips especially enjoyable, with highways lined with green fields and festive decorations. It’s an ideal setting for long drives as part of your Dussehra travel itinerary.
- Festive energy everywhere: From Ram Leela shows in Delhi to Garba nights in Gujarat, the cultural vibrance is unmatched. The sheer variety of unique Dussehra celebrations in India 2025 ensures that every traveler finds something memorable.
- Peaceful offbeat escapes: Not everyone enjoys crowded places. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider offbeat towns and small hill stations, where Dussehra is celebrated in simpler, more local variations. Here, you’ll find authentic traditions, less noise, and often eco-friendly festivals where locals craft handmade effigies and rituals.
So, whether you’re viewing the grand royal parade in Mysuru, joining the Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, or enjoying Almora’s peaceful mountain fair, the trick is to plan ahead. Early bookings mean better hotels, smoother travel options, and enough time to explore without last-minute chaos.
Top 13 Places to Visit in India during Dussehra 2025
India is like a giant festival ground during Dussehra. In the North, you’ll find Raavan Dahan events that light up the sky. In the South, you’ll witness cultural parades that bring centuries-old stories to life.
Here are 13 must-visit places in India for Dussehra 2025:
Mysuru, Karnataka
Dussehra in Mysore, or Mysore Dasara, is world-famous and evokes a feeling of stepping into a fairytale. The highlight is the grand Royal Dasara procession on October 2, 2025, led by decorated elephants, folk dancers, and traditional music that fills the streets with energy.
The Jamboo Savari, the grand finale of the celebrations, is held inside the majestic premises of the Mysore Palace and culminates at Bannimantap. At night, the Mysore Palace shines with almost 100,000 lights, illuminating the entire city. To experience this Dasara celebration in Mysore, book a Savaari cab from Bangalore to Mysore and enjoy the celebrations without travel stress.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Pandal hopping is the highlight of Durga Puja in Kolkata, where you journey from Kumartuli’s idol workshops to the grand Durga Puja Kolkata pandal displays of Bhowanipore and Park Street.
The city thrives on its adda culture, while food stalls dish out puchka, kebabs, and mishti to fuel your night-long walks. To make the most of your route, consider adding stops at famous Durga Puja sites in Kolkata, such as Bagbazar, College Square, and Ekdalia Evergreen.
The celebrations culminate on Vijayadashami, when processions bid farewell to Ma Durga as idols are immersed in the Hooghly. For smooth travel, book a car rental in Kolkata with Savaari.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Kullu Dussehra is not just one day; it’s a week-long celebration, drawing devotees and travelers alike to the valley of gods. It is one of the must-see places during Dussehra in India. Over 200 local deities are carried in colorful processions, accompanied by music, folk songs, and rituals.
Unlike other parts of India, where Dussehra ends on Vijayadashami, here the festivities begin that day and continue for a week. The Kullu Dussehra fair (Oct 2–8, 2025) features week-long festivities with deity parades, rath processions, and traditional Himachali folk dances.
For a scenic road trip, book a car rental from Delhi to Kullu with Savaari for a comfortable ride.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Dussehra in Varanasi features Ganga aartis, evening Ram Leela performances, and effigy burnings. At dawn, the sacred riverfront comes alive with an uplifting Ganga aarti, priests offering rhythmic chants, incense, and fire lamps to the rising sun, creating an atmosphere charged with divine energy.
As evening falls, the city shifts to cultural vibrancy with local Ram Leela performances, where epic tales of Lord Rama are enacted with great fervor. The highlight arrives with the burning of Ravana effigies, an unforgettable spectacle under the glowing ghats.
Hire a car rental in Varanasi with Savaari for the memorable spiritual aspects of the festival.
Kota, Rajasthan
The Kota Dussehra Mela 2025 promises to be one of Rajasthan’s grandest celebrations, blending tradition with modern spectacle. Scheduled from 22 September to 17 October 2025 at Dussehra Maidan, the highlight will be the burning of a record-breaking 215-feet Ravana effigy, alongside 60-feet figures of Kumbhakarna and Meghnath on 2 October.
This year, safety has been prioritized with remote-controlled ignition and a 250-foot protective zone. Visitors can enjoy Garba nights, drone and laser shows, cultural performances, poetry, Mushaira, and folk dances that showcase Rajasthan’s heritage. Food stalls serving regional delicacies, amusement rides, and family-friendly competitions add to the festive spirit.
Delhi
Delhi is one of the top places to visit in India during Dussehra. Every year, Dussehra celebrations in Delhi unfold with spectacular Ram Leela productions, where artists re-enact the Ramayana on open stages.
For example, Old Delhi’s Red Fort grounds transform into a dazzling stage for the iconic Lav Kush Ramlila. With a 140-foot stage, over 1.25 lakh LED lights, 3D projections, and even AI-enhanced recreations of temples, the event brings the Ramayana to life for lakhs of visitors. At the iconic Ramlila Maidan, Delhi Dussehra reaches its climax as massive effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set aflame. For hassle-free travel between venues, book a cab service in Delhi with Savaari.
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Bastar offers one of the most unique Dussehra experiences in India. Unlike the Ram Leela-focused celebrations elsewhere, tribal Dussehra in Bastar is a 75-day festival showcasing tribal rituals, folk dances, and local markets, distinct from mainstream Rama-Ravana celebrations.
Centered on worship of the local goddess Danteshwari, it involves ancient rituals, chariot processions, and offerings from over 100 tribal communities. Deeply rooted in tribal and rural Dussehra celebrations, the festival is marked by tribal dances, sacred ceremonies, and colorful fairs where local markets come alive with crafts, food, and traditional wares.
Read more about this cultural uniqueness in our Bastar Dussehra guide.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Navratri in Ahmedabad is nothing short of spectacular. The nine-night Gujarat Navratri festival honors Goddess Durga with spirited garba nights and dandiya raas, where thousands dance in colorful chaniya-cholis. Ahmedabad Dussehra sees massive gatherings at GMDC Ground and exclusive events like Udgam Na Garba. From traditional circle garbas around the sacred “garbo” lamp to modern dandiya beats, every night is revelry.
For locals and visitors alike, the Navratri celebrations in Ahmedabad are about unity and joy, where every beat of the dhol inspires people to dance till dawn. Book a car hire in Ahmedabad with Savaari to hop between the top Garba venues.
Hoshiarpur, Punjab
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Hoshiarpur Dussehra stands out for its raw energy and community spirit. Unlike the heavily crowded Amritsar gatherings, the Hoshiarpur Dussehra mela offers a more grounded experience, where locals gather in vibrant fairs, chant “Hari Bol”, and immerse themselves in devotional music.
The atmosphere turns electrifying as towering Ravana effigies are set ablaze, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. What makes it unique is the small-town charm: streets filled with folk performances, food stalls, and heartfelt cultural exchanges. For stress-free travel, book a car rental in Chandigarh with Savaari and head to offbeat Dussehra destinations like Hoshiarpur.
Pune, Maharashtra
From traditional to high-energy dandiya evenings, the vibe here blends Gujarati folk traditions with Maharashtrian warmth. The festive nights are filled with chaniya-cholis, decorated venues, and delicious food stalls.
This year, the city is hosting a range of exciting Navratri events in Pune, from the theme-based Navratri Bash 5.0 at The Mills (September 19 to 21) to the colorful Dandiya Carnival 2025 at Phoenix Mall (September 28). To hop between the top Garba venues without hassle, book a car rental in Pune with Savaari, ensuring a smooth and comfortable festive experience across the city.
Almora, Uttarakhand
If you want a quieter celebration, Almora is the place. Dating back to the 1860s, this offbeat Uttarakhand mountain festival unfolds against scenic backdrops where villagers transform into actors after weeks of “Taleem” (training). Almora, undoubtedly, is one of the best places to visit in India during Dussehra 2025 for authentic rural celebrations.
Unlike urban productions, the emphasis of Almora Ramlila in hills lies on soulful singing (doha, chaupai, and folk tunes set to harmonium and tabla), blending Kumaoni idioms with influences from Parsi theatre and even Urdu ghazals. Each October, Almora comes alive as dozens of effigies of Ravana and his kin are paraded through narrow hill streets before being set aflame in a dramatic spectacle of good’s triumph over evil.
Madikeri (Coorg), Karnataka
Coorg Dussehra is a 10-day celebration considered Karnataka’s most vibrant after Mysore. Rooted in agrarian customs, rituals often begin in the coffee estates and ancestral homes (ainmanes), where feasts, music, and dance connect the Kodava community to their land. It is one of the best places to visit during Dussehra to experience rural celebrations.
The grand finale of Coorg traditional festivities unfolds with spectacular mantapas (towering tableaux carrying deities) paraded through the streets alongside folk arts like Dollu Kunitha and Hulivesha. Unlike the royal pomp of Mysore, Dussehra in Coorg is more intimate yet visually arresting, making it one of the most offbeat hill stations for Dussehra celebrations in India.
For a comfortable journey, book a Bangalore to Coorg taxi with Savaari.
Cultural Experiences You Can’t Miss This Dussehra
No matter where you travel in India during Dussehra, you’ll find yourself surrounded by traditions that make the festival unique. Here are a few unmissable cultural experiences:
- Ram Leela performances: These plays bring the story of Lord Ram and Raavan to life with drama, music, and costumes. In some towns, Ram Leela goes on for days leading up to Dussehra, with whole communities gathering to watch under the open sky.
- Raavan Dahan: On the final day, massive effigies of Raavan (sometimes along with Meghnath and Kumbhkaran) are set ablaze with fire. The sight of flames lighting up the night sky is both symbolic and thrilling.
- Temple rituals and festive fairs: Step into any temple during Dussehra and you’ll see rituals in full swing, from special aartis to processions carrying idols. Local fairs come alive with folk dances, toy stalls, rides, and small street plays.
- Festive food delights: During Dussehra, stalls and homes overflow with jalebis, kachoris, laddoos, and regional sweets unique to each state. In Gujarat, you’ll find fafda-jalebi, while in Karnataka, you might taste obbattu.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dussehra Destinations in 2025
A little planning can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. With this Dussehra travel guide, enjoy the festival fully and avoid unnecessary stress or last-minute rushes.
- Reach early: Popular spots like Ram Leela grounds or Raavan Dahan venues get crowded fast. Arriving an hour or two before the event begins means you’ll grab a good viewing spot.
- Travel smart: Check your calendar in advance. Dussehra falls on a weekday (Thursday) in 2025, so long weekends might crowd highways. Make your bookings at least a few weeks early to lock in good rates.
- Plan your ride back: Traffic jams often occur after Raavan Dahan or fairs, making it tough to find transport at the last moment. Booking a cab in advance saves you from the stress of waiting in long queues or dealing with surge prices.
With these simple Dussehra 2025 travel tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival without feeling overwhelmed by the rush.
Tips for Booking Car Rentals During Dussehra
Here are some ways in which you can make your Dussehra cab booking smooth and stress-free:
- Customised Options: Choose from diesel cabs for long-distance journeys, or vehicles with carriers for extra luggage space.
- Driver Language Preference: Select drivers who speak Hindi or English, making communication smooth and comfortable throughout your journey.
- Comfort and Safety: Well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers ensure stress-free travel even in crowded festival conditions.
With years of experience, Savaari is one of India’s most reliable cab aggregators, perfect for car rental booking for Dussehra.
Conclusion
With fireworks, dhol beats, and the smell of jalebis in the air, Dussehra 2025 is a road-trip season like no other! This guide takes you through the best offbeat places to visit in India for Dussehra, where Ravana goes up in flames, local fairs burst with color, and crowds chant with joy.
From quirky small towns to grand spectacles, it’s all about soaking in unique Dussehra celebrations in India 2025 with a festive edge. So, why stick to the usual when the roads are calling?
Download the Savaari car rental app for Android and iOS and book cabs in just a few taps. Enjoy seamless booking and exceptional services with Savaari.
FAQs
When is Dussehra celebrated in 2025?
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on October 2, 2025. It marks the victory of good over evil and is one of the biggest festivals in India.
Are car rentals available for outstation Dussehra journeys?
Yes, Savaari offers outstation cab rentals, allowing you to head to the top road trip destinations for Dussehra, like Mysuru, Kullu, or even Almora, without worrying about driving yourself.
Which is the best place to visit during Dussehra?
The best places to visit in Dussehra really depend on what your preferences are: Mysuru for grand royal parades, Varanasi for rituals on the Ganga, or Kolkata for Durga Puja celebrations that merge into Dussehra. Each place has its own charm.
Which place is famous for Dasara in India?
Mysuru in Karnataka is renowned for its Dasara celebrations, featuring decorated elephants, palace processions, and lights across the city.
How do you spend Dussehra vacation?
Easy and entertaining! You can watch Ram Leela plays, join Raavan Dahan events, explore temple fairs, or simply take a road trip to a new city to enjoy its local traditions and cuisine.
Are there any special fairs or melas during Dussehra 2025?
Absolutely! From Kullu’s Dussehra fair to Delhi’s Ram Leela grounds and Kota’s local melas, you’ll find music, rides, food, and cultural programs almost everywhere.
Can I hire a car with a driver for Dussehra travel?
Yes, with Savaari, you can get a car rental with driver for a stress-free ride. Discover the best places to visit in India during Dussehra without the hassle of dealing with no traffic or parking issues. Simply enjoy the journey and the festival.
Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by V Subhadra
